electrosurgery
The use of high-frequency electrical current to cut tissue, coagulate blood vessels, or destroy abnormal tissue.
Full Definition
Electrosurgery encompasses various techniques using high-frequency alternating electrical current (typically 200kHz to 3MHz) to achieve tissue effects in dermatologic procedures. The electrical energy generates heat within tissues, allowing for cutting, coagulation, desiccation, or fulguration depending on the waveform, power settings, and electrode configuration used. Common applications include hemostasis during excisions, removal of benign lesions, and tissue destruction for various skin conditions. Different modalities include cutting current for precise incisions, coagulation current for hemostasis, and blended currents for combined effects. Safety considerations include proper grounding, avoiding pacemaker interference, and preventing thermal injury to surrounding tissues.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish between electrosurgery (high frequency) and electrocautery (direct current) in documentation.
In Context
- "Electrosurgery was used for hemostasis of small bleeding vessels during the excision procedure." — Operative report
- "The seborrheic keratoses were removed using electrosurgery with a loop electrode." — Procedure note